Unfortunately, many primary care practitioners will automatically prescribe pain medications to their patients, sometimes without clear instructions and without establishing the desired outcome.(1)

This, together with inadequate evaluation of the patient’s condition, often lead to treatment failure.

When this happens, the patient may be referred to a neurological headache specialist without being informed of the potential for help with upper cervical chiropractic procedures.

This article covers the most common treatment options for migraine, including general chiropractic care.

What are the treatment options for migraines?

Options include:

Pharmaceuticals

Surgical intervention

Chiropractic and manual therapy

Oriental medicine and acupuncture

Nutritional and lifestyle modifications

Drug therapies for migraine

Medications for migraine are categorized as either acute or preventative in nature.

Acute treatments are taken on an as-needed basis to abort or reduce the severity of the current migraine attack.

Preventive treatment or prophylaxis, on the other hand, is taken daily to prevent or reduce the likelihood of upcoming headache episodes.

Common medications prescribed for migraine (2) include:

Acute

Selective serotonin agonists or triptans

Ergot alkaloids

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Combination analgesic

Opioid analgesic

Preventive

Tricyclic antidepressants

Beta-blockers

Anti-epileptics

Botulinum toxin (BOTOX)

Despite new advances in pharmacological management of migraine, many patients still do not respond positively.

Some patients do not tolerate drug treatments, whether acute or preventive, due to side effects or the contraindications that the drug may have based on their other health problems.

Surgical treatments for migraine

Surgery has limited efficacy for migraine due to the variety of surgical trigger sites targeted and procedures employed. Note that the American Headache Society (AHS) does not recommend surgical attempts of “deactivating” trigger sites for any form of migraine.(3)

Manual therapies for migraine

There are various manual approaches that have been found to provide migraine relief, including for patients who have failed to respond to traditional treatments.

Clinical massage therapy

Clinical massage therapy is performed by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and massage therapists. Muscles that are stressed and tensed contribute to the occurrence of migraines. Massage promotes circulation and relaxes the muscles. Increasing blood flow in these areas can help provide pain relief.

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic care is defined as another type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used for managing migraine and other chronic headaches. It involves manual adjustments of cervical spinal structures in the neck area to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine attacks. However, many migraine patients have found that not all chiropractic techniques are beneficial. It is important to find a chiropractor who understands migraine symptoms and employs gentle manipulation (chiropractic adjustments) of the neck.

Scientific studies of chiropractic care efficacy

One case study examined the use of chiropractic adjustment on a 52-year old female patient with migraine of 40-year duration. At the end of the study, the patient reported reduced muscle tenderness, improvement in range of motion, and muscle relaxation. No migraine episodes have been reported at 6-month follow up. (4)

Dr. Zachary Ward first discovered the power of spinal care after watching his little brother heal from debilitating pain. Now he practices a unique form of chiropractic care that offers you the opportunity to experience your body in a new, freer way. Contact him via social media or via the contact form to request a ten minute health review. He also blogs at DrZWard.com.

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